The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially awarded the certificate of return to Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, after his victory in the Edo State governorship election.

The presentation took place on Thursday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, confirming Okpebholo as the duly elected governor.

Okpebholo won the election held on September 21, securing 291,667 votes, defeating his closest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) finished in third place with 22,763 votes.

In this election, Okpebholo’s APC party made significant gains, winning in over 10 of the 18 local government areas, while the PDP managed to claim marginal victories in the remaining councils.

Notably, the APC dominated in two of the three critical senatorial districts within the state, reflecting a decisive shift in the political landscape of Edo.

Meanwhile, the PDP has rejected the results of the recent Edo State Governorship election, as declared by the INEC.

During a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed his party’s dissatisfaction with the outcome, asserting that the people of Edo State rightfully voted for the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and expect him to be announced as the governor-elect.